George Washington, a New York 185 pounder, fought Chuck Jennings, “250 pound Elmira Negro (sic)” in a six round bout at the Kalurah Temple in Binghamton. The fight, “resulted in a win for the Elmiran when he connected with a right to the jaw that sent Washington into dreamland at 2:05 of the fifth round. It was a slam bang battle all the way until Jennings connected with the kayo wallop.”

Wally Bader was a heavyweight from Scranton who also fought Jennings. The newspaper reported that early in their bout, “a hefty blow to the body in the first round convinced Bader that Jennings…was an old meanie who played it rough. Wally winced like a rassier during an act of pain and took a nine count.”

Al Mallette, the long time sports reporter and columnist for the Star Gazette, and a good friend of Jennings wrote that, “Chuck Jennings is like the hero of the old west—a peace and quiet guy who’ll go out of his way to lend a hand. That is until you raise his dander. Then watch out. You’ve got to contend with 260 pounds of a man who knows how to use his dukes.” That heavyweight boxer and the man Malette described, outlined the philosophy which guided him to found Glove House, “with a little love and kindness you can change a boy’s life.”

Norman Lorre “Chuck” Jennings was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on March 30, 1921. Family legend has it that he was a “big” baby. As a child, he was bullied and teased for being “fat.” Unlike his siblings he did not pay much attention in school, although he sang and recited poetry. In 1924, the family had moved to Elmira, as Chuck’s father was a railroad fireman and work was plentiful here. Eventually folks at the Neighborhood House saw something in Jennings, and asked him to join a boxing class. According to his widow, Nellie, “Walt Bosley, the boxing instructor, saw a big fat kid, who was very light on his feet, a good eye and good balance and very fast.” The fat would become muscle and he liked boxing. Nellie noted that boxing was a “character builder” for Chuck physically and emotionally, although his mother did not like him boxing.

Boxing was very popular in the Elmira area from the turn of the 20th century into the early 1950’s. Bouts were staged at the old Grotto Park, Majestic Theater, Dunn Field, the Armory and old Eagles Hall. Elmira Hall of Fame boxers were Steve Halaiko, Art Sykes, George (Cyclone) Williams and Jennings.

Chuck Jennings in the center.(Photo: Provided Photo)

Halaiko had the longest career. In 1931, he fought Sonny Dorfman before 10,000 fans at Dunn Field. He was listed as one of the Top Ten lightweights from 1929-1934. Art Sykes was a “rugged heavyweight” fighting in the pro ranks from 1933-38. He fought Joe Louis on October 24, 1934, he lost. Eventually he was rated among the Top Ten heavyweight boxers. Cyclone Williams fought professionally in the late teens and early 1920’s. Former county historian Tom Byrne wrote that, “he always thought he could have been a world champion if he could have gotten the right fights, but in those days it was hard for black boxers to get bouts that would bring national attention.” Williams ran a gym in the old Realty Building and was instrumental in the development of Jennings. Williams was also a minister at the AME Zion Church.

Jennings began boxing at the Neighborhood House at age 12 in 1937. He had 75 amateur bouts over five years, winning the District Golden Gloves heavyweight title in Buffalo and the National Golden Gloves championship in New York City in 1940. In 1942, he turned pro, but then joined the Army. While in uniform he won the all-service championship at a tournament in Manila in the Philippines. Chuck served from March 1943 to February 1946. Upon leaving the Army he resumed his pro boxing career. The boxing circuit was Elmira and Binghamton, New York and Wilkes-Barre and Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Jennings holds the heavy bag as a youngster throws a punch.(Photo: Provided Photo)

A Scranton writer tabbed Jennings as “Old Poke Chops,” noting he “is the biggest, perhaps best liked fighter Elmira has produced.” He had 200 fights as a pro over ten years, facing Max Baer and Joe Louis in exhibition bouts and beat Jersey Joe Walcott in an army base fight. He returned to Elmira in 1951 and fought his last fight in 1952.

According to Nellie, as his boxing career progressed he became a “party boy.” She noted that he became “restless” as he began to look at himself, praying for guidance and started to ask himself what he really wanted. Upon his return to Elmira, he began volunteering at the Neighborhood House. Al Mallette observed that he had been street educated and wrote that Chuck once told him that, “not finishing school was the biggest mistake of my life. I have found over the years that the lack of education is a cross that is terribly heavy to carry….”

At this time he also met Nellie Mae Lewis. They courted and he eventually asked her grandfather for permission to marry her. Her grandfather had two conditions, he said, “we are Methodists and Republicans and I want to carry on that tradition.” They were married October 10, 1953, registered Republican and became active at the Frederick Douglas AME Zion Church. They would have one son, Charles Robert, born May 14, 1963. (Chuck would be proud of him today as he is a PhD.).

Chuck had become part of the volunteer staff at the “Nabe.” He was meeting youngsters who had no family support, many on their way to trouble. He was also hearing from parents. A vision began to develop about serving these young men. Eventually he was working three full time jobs, raising a family and working to help young people find direction. His hardwork, along with the respect he earned from the community would lead to the fulfillment of his vision.

Taken in the late 1960s, this is Jennings after he ended his boxing career.(Photo: Provided Photo)

His contribution to the community took many forms. Not only did he actively work with young people, but he also served on boards of many organizations to improve the quality of life in our city. He was Chairman of the Volunteer on Improving Conditions on the Eastside, a member of the Southern Tier Employment Council and the Chemung County Board of Human Relations, as well as serving on the boards of the Volunteers of America and the Chemung County Economic Opportunity Program. The “proudest day of his life” was when Glove House opened. It was his dream come true.

Chuck Jennings died in October 8, 1976 at the age of 55. The Rev. Jay Parker began his eulogy with “Hang in there baby,” a favorite Jennings message of encouragement. Art Wellington noted that “Chuck had a knack for communicating in that soft voice of his inner strength to a kid who needed self-confidence and self discipline. He lived brotherhood every day.” Quoting from Jennings favorite poem,